New London bread delivery charity

Ashley Williams
· 19 September, 2016

Breadwinners has set up a long-term plan for those struggling to find employment, to start their own bread delivery business.

Each Breadwinner is referred to the charity by one of its business partners – each must show commitment to running his or her own business to be put forward. Those who join the programme attend a training course to give them the skills they need to start their own company, followed by mentoring and support.

The charity is working with artisan bakeries including Gail’s and Celtic Bakers, and was set up by John Lister of Gloucestershire millers Shipton Mill. It is funded by Shipton Mill, UnLtd, The School of Social Entrepreneurs and The Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Customers enter their postcode online to be paired with their local Breadwinner and choose from a selection of loaves and pastries, which are delivered fresh from their local bakery by bicycle, either as a one-off, or on a subscription basis.

Breadwinners project director Marika Chaplais told British Baker: “Each Breadwinner is given our Start Up Package, which includes a bike and trailer, before being paired with an artisan bakery which shares our passion for the highest-quality ingredients and social change.

“Breadwinners buy loaves from their bakery at cost price, and sell them on for a profit – keeping the difference to reinvest in the next day’s loaves and build their business. As their own boss, their business is theirs to grow, with Breadwinners HQ there to support them every step of the way.”

The first delivery areas are in east London, with the second Breadwinner launching in north London in October. There are also plans to expand across London and other cities over the next year.